The NFL Combine gives prospects one last chance to impress scouts and GMs. Consider it a final job interview for average Joes like you and me. The only difference is, this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime. One wrong move could entirely affect your chances of getting accepted to the position (getting drafted). And as we already know, the difference can be based on one millisecond!
We've seen some prospects increase their draft stock during the NFL Combine, meanwhile some fold under the pressure. This four-day event, which started way back in 1982, gives teams an up-close look at more than a player's natural talents. After all, it's easy to look unstoppable when the rest of your opponents aren't on the same level (size and talent) as you. Be that as it may, every prospect does have their own unique set of preparations for this event to try and give himself an edge. However, there are still some tried and tested processes every prospect performs to increase their chances of success.
Before any form of training, most NFL prospects start preparing for the NFL Combine by hiring an agent. This step isn't a must, but it will help prospects save time in understanding the business aspect of the sport. Once that's taken care of, prospects report to specialized training facilities. This is where they're evaluated and given a personalized diet plan.
Now it's on to training. Considering the players who also played in the BCS National Championship game, prospects typically have seven to eight weeks to prepare with Sunday being their only day solely dedicated to recovery. Of course, the NFL puts together specific drills for players depending on their position, but there are six major tests every future NFL player will go through. They are the following: 40-yard dash, bench press, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, vertical jump, and broad jump.
What most NFL prospects do in the next seven to eight weeks window is typically start by using the first 4 weeks to regain their strength and conditioning. The remaining few weeks are reserved for high-intensity exercises that target a player's weak spots. As per the NFL, here's how a typical training day usually goes for NFL prospects:
- 8 a.m. – Wake up
- 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast
- 9 a.m. – Meet with trainers to discuss daily and weekly objectives
- 9:30 a.m. On the field work out for combine specific drills. This includes the vertical jump, broad jump, 40-yard dash, L cone, pro agility, and positional drills
- 11:30 a.m. – Lunch, post-workout supplementation
- 2 p.m. – Weight room to train plyometrics, Olympic lifts, lower body and upper body strength movements, corrective exercises, and core training
- 4 p.m. – Recovery and regeneration session. This includes the hot tub, ice tub, chiropractic adjustment, massage, and flexibility sessions
- 5:30 p.m. – Dinner
- 7 p.m. – Team meeting focused on interview skills and/or film review
How Do NFL Prospects Train For COMBINE? 😯 I Clutch #Shorts – YouTube